Production Manager – Manufacturing

Location: Montello, WI
Salary: $100,000–$120,000 + Bonus
Relocation Assistance: Available
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Schedule: Monday–Thursday, four 10-hour shifts
Work Location: On-Site

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations for a well-established contract manufacturer of electromechanical assemblies in central Wisconsin.

Reporting directly to the company President, this position will oversee production operations and coordinate closely with the maintenance function across two nearby manufacturing locations with approximately 100 employees.

This is a highly visible leadership role for an experienced manufacturing professional who combines strong operations management, people leadership, production planning, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement skills.

The company is looking for someone interested in becoming an important part of the long-term leadership team. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence operational strategy and potentially grow into broader leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate day-to-day manufacturing operations across two production locations.
• Lead production teams to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Manage production schedules and ensure customer requirements and delivery commitments are met.
• Coordinate production and maintenance activities to maximize equipment availability and manufacturing performance.
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, team leaders, and production employees.
• Build a collaborative, accountable, and performance-oriented manufacturing culture.
• Implement and sustain lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices, including 5S.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs, errors, waste, downtime, and production inefficiencies.
• Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions when targets are not achieved.
• Work closely with quality, maintenance, materials, scheduling, and other functions to resolve operational issues.
• Utilize production planning and ERP systems to manage schedules, resources, and manufacturing priorities.
• Support workforce planning, employee development, and operational growth.
• Partner directly with the company President on manufacturing performance, priorities, and strategic operational initiatives.
• Help develop processes and leadership capabilities necessary to support the company's continued growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of manufacturing industry experience.
• Significant experience in production, manufacturing, or operations leadership.
• Proven ability to lead manufacturing teams and manage day-to-day plant operations.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies, including 5S.
• Strong understanding of production scheduling, labor utilization, quality, cost control, and operational performance.
• Experience coordinating production and maintenance activities.
• Working knowledge of computerized production scheduling and ERP/MRP systems.
• SYSPRO experience is preferred but not required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop employees, build effective teams, and work directly with senior leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or a related discipline is strongly preferred; equivalent manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.
• Experience in electromechanical assembly, electrical equipment, electronics, components, or contract manufacturing is preferred.
• Candidates should have ties to the Upper Midwest and be comfortable living and working in a smaller central Wisconsin community.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $100,000–$120,000
• Bonus Program: Historically averages approximately 15%
• Relocation Assistance: Available
• Health Insurance
• 401(k): 50% company match on contributions up to 6%
• Paid Holidays
• 1 Week Paid Sick Time
• 3 Weeks Vacation
• Four-Day Workweek: Monday–Thursday, four 10-hour shifts
• Interview expenses available